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May 19, 2024 | Cagayan de Oro City – The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Northern Mindanao along with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer (DEDF) Dr. Myer G. Mula, conducted fertilizer quality and standard weight monitoring for the different manufacturers, distributors, plantation warehouse and dealers in Cagayan de Oro City, and Bukidnon on May 13-15, 2024.

The initiative, aimed at ensuring farmers’ productivity, sought to evaluate the fertilizer landscape and devise new policies for enhancement by addressing pertinent issues and concerns related to fertilizer operations.

Out of 1,499 fertilizer bags of the different brands from the different fertilizer companies, 544 bags fell below the standard weight of 50kg per bag. The results raise concerns about potential impacts on farmers’ productivity if left unaddressed, as fertilizer recommendations are typically based on a standard weight of 50kg per hectare. Further, fertilizer samples were also collected from the manufacturers for confirmatory analysis to ensure their quality and the percentage of the nutrients indicated on the label of the product.

Dr. Mula underscored the agency’s commitment to enhancing farm productivity in alignment with national objectives for food security. He emphasized the crucial role of fertilizer as a vital input in supporting plant nutrition, stressing the importance of supplying it in adequate quantities and following correct application procedures.

Moreover, inspections were conducted at fertilizer manufacturing plants to check the production process flow, which is fundamental to ensuring the quality of end products. Recommendations were put forth to maintain and improve quality standards, including the establishment of laboratory tests for essential nutrients like NPK, provision of digital weighing scales, proper folding and sealing of fertilizer bags, and implementation of safety measures such as perimeter fences, signage, and fire exits.

FPA issued a call for unity among fertilizer stakeholders to uphold the quality of fertilizers, emphasizing their commitment to serving the needs of valued end-users, the farmers. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

MAY 16, 2024 | ISABELA – To educate farmers on the proper and responsible utilization of pesticides, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) – Cagayan Valley represented by Provincial Officer (PO) Mr. Rheymark Credo served as a resource speaker for the training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) at San Mariano, Isabela on May 16, 2024.

“Pesticides are always the last resort of controlling pests. It should only be our last line of defense stressing the necessity of minimizing pesticide use wherever possible”, PO Credo said during his lecture.

He also emphasized the significance of adhering to label instructions on pesticides, encompassing dosage, compatibility, re-entry periods, post-harvest intervals, and the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during spraying to mitigate risks.

Ms. Wilma D. Aglusulos, a participant, expressed her gratitude for learning to avoid and minimize hazards when handling pesticides. She acknowledged the toxic elements in these chemicals and the potential harm they can cause if not managed correctly.

Pesticides stand as common contaminants in agricultural products, particularly in vegetables. Hence, cascading the knowledge of responsible pesticide use is vital not only to cut down production costs while upholding high yields but also to guarantee the safety of the commodities for human consumption.

The training aimed to encourage applicants for Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) accreditation. The session served as a significant step toward promoting responsible pesticide use among farmers in the region.

DA-PhilRice Isabela, DA-RFO II, FPA, Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), and LGU facilitated the training. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team

May 14, 2024 | LEYTE – To ensure compliance with standard weight requirements for fertilizer products, the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) – Zamboanga Peninsula, together with Deputy Executive Director for Fertilizer, Dr. Myer G Mula, conducted random weighing operations in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay on May 6-7, 2024.

A total of 663 bags out of 1,139 fertilizer bags representing 11 different brands and grades, including major grades like 46-0-0, 14-14-14, 21-0-0, 16-20-0, 0-0-60, and 18-46-0, were found to weigh less than the standard 50-kg net weight per bag.

Dr. Mula underscored the significance of adhering to precise specifications for fertilizers, emphasizing not only the declared nutrient standards but also the net weight stated on the product label. He urged the fertilizer handlers to incorporate random weighing into their delivery processes and promptly report instances of underweight bags to their suppliers. To ensure accuracy, he recommended the use of well-calibrated electronic weighing scales. Furthermore, he cautioned business owners to remain vigilant against the proliferation of off-specs fertilizer products in the market, including those that are underweight, unregistered, or substandard.

“Non-compliance with these standards posits consequences not only on the revenue of the distributors and dealers but also on the livelihood of the farmers,” Dr. Mula said.

“With fertilizer recommendations tailored on a per-bag basis, deviations from standard specifications can significantly affect crop productivity and yield, ultimately diminishing farmers’ income,” he added.

FPA extended its advisory to the public, especially farmers, urging them to meticulously weigh fertilizer bags before purchase and inspect them for any physical defects such as torn sacks. Farmers are encouraged to request replacements for any compromised products, ensuring they receive the quality and quantity they pay for. ###

  Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) Online ISSN: 2815-1674
  Published by the FPA Information and Communications Team